The number of people, including children, living with HIV keeps growing in the Russian Federation and other countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, which is the only region where HIV prevalence remains on the rise. The Practical Recommendations provide the management and the staff of educational institutions with a policy framework and practical tips for supporting and protecting from discrimination students and educators living with or affected by HIV. …

The end of the school year is a stressful and exciting time for senior students. It is a time full of pressing decisions, preparations for the future, exams and of course planning for one of the biggest nights in the school calendar, the school formal/prom/deb. For same sex attracted (SSA) and gender questioning (GQ) students participating in end-of-year festivities may not always carry the same excitement. While many schools pride themselves on their inclusive and anti-discrimination policies, the rights of SSAGQ students can often be overlooked. …

Homophobic bullying and assumptions of heterosexuality mean that many same sex attracted or gender questioning (SSAGQ) students feel frightened or less confident to attend school and/or feel unable to get support because it will mean they have to come out. This means that SSAGQ students experience interrupted access to the full range of school programs and activities, at times resulting in an inability to complete their studies or perform to their academic potential. …

Australian research about young people has found that schools can be very unsafe for students who are, or perceived to be, gay, lesbian, or bisexual. Research has also found that many teachers are reluctant to address issues to do with homosexuality, especially in relation to students. Like the rest of the community, school staff have a range of beliefs and concerns about homosexuality. Unlike the rest of the community, teachers work with many young people from diverse backgrounds representing different values, religious beliefs, and family expectations. …

The teaching diversities project has been funded by Victoria University and represents a collaboration with the Centre for Multicultural Youth in recognition of the particular needs (and risks) of doubly-marginalised young people who identify as both same sex-attracted, and those from multicultural backgrounds. The vulnerability of these young people hinges on the intersection of homophobia in some cultural communities and also racism within some lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) communities. …

This resource has been developed to provide information and practical strategies on why and how to tackle homophobia. How can you help make sure your school is a safe school, where every family can belong, every teacher can teach and every student can learn?